Judi is singing praises to the Lord. Christian University is allowing her to be converted from "course audits" to "full credit courses." She was advised that this is normally not allowed because audit courses are not graded. However, the Lord knows the plans He has her (Jeremiah 29:11) "because your professor went above and beyond and graded your work for these courses we will be able to add the grades and credit to your transcript" This wonderful news means that she is now half-way through being certified in Correctional Ministries as a Reentry Specialist. Praise God who "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Would you please pass on a request for the ladies to pray for Lucille. She has a flareup of her RA and also thinks she's having a bad reaction to a med. She's been unable to eat more than toast for days, maybe as long as a week. All this discomfort is exacerbated by worrying about a planned vacation to Alaska which is supposed to start next week. Thanks all!
Linda asks for travel mercies for herself and her husband, Ed.
UPDATE: Noelle's flight was cancelled and Kathy had to return to the airport to pick her up late that night. She was shuttled back to the airport in the morning for a noon-ish flight and arrived home safely around 3:30.
Noelle asks for traveling mercies home and for prayer for her cousin Heather, suffering from brain surgery.
Lorraine asks us to pray for her friend, Barb, suffering from depression.
Esther asks for prayer for her husband, Pete, after his heart catherization and as they await his results.
Pastor Keith, Shannon and the kids for their strength and faith at this difficult time. (See previous emails and blogs.)
Judi continues to ask for prayer for her "girls" who are incarcerated in jail and in prison. Prayers are needed for all who are serving time behind bars and in probation. Judi also asks for the penal system to work on reform to "rehabilitate" those who are involved in crime because "pure punishment" is not turning their hearts, but the Lord can!
Continue prayers for Kathy's sister, Tisa's upcoming surgery
Judi asks for prayers to continue for her friend, Sharon whose will be having surgery in October (the soonest the doctor could schedule). Please also pray for peace and calm during this extended wait.
We all ask for peace throughout the world - to end the terror that is consuming so many lives. Pray for a deeper understanding of God's love for humanity AND to have that same love, including for our enemies. "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Pray for the work of the Spirit in the hearts and minds of those around us because it is the Father who draws them to himself. Praise God!
We ask for strong prayer for unbelievers - we know the Spirit can reach the parts of unbelievers - the very inner workings of their minds and hearts that we cannot reach. He can soften their hard heart, bend their stubborn will, open closed minds, challenge long-held prejudices and heal painful memories. Thank you Lord!